[UNDER CONSTRUCTION]

It's not all "Backdraft" or "The Towering Inferno," but firefighting remains one of the most dangerous jobs on earth. Every day, firefighters crawl into a world of extreme temperatures, suffocating blackness, and deadly gasses. Despite the danger, men and women accept the call to duty, responding to help day or night.

Trained in the latest in fire attack strategy and tactics, and equipped with the best apparatus and tools available, the firefighters of Stone House respond to around 150 "working" fires a year, including structures, vehicles, dumpsters, and brush. The number of fire "calls" far exceeds the number of actual fires. Many are out upon arrival, or simply good intent calls. Each one, however, requires a rapid, professional response from each member of the crew.

Career Development

You can't just finish firefighter class and start riding up front on the truck. SHVFD has some strict requirements to ensure that the crews we send out the door are capable of handling the emergencies we respond to. Firefighters progress on a "career path" from the moment they start riding to the day they are cleared as an officer.

Red Hat - Prince William County volunteers created this designation. A red hat may not enter burning structures, but may assist in every other operation. See the training section for more on the red hat program.

Engine Company Firefighter - After completing Firefighter I class and gaining some experience, the red hat is cleared as an engine company firefighter. They are now qualified to ride as the sole firefighter on board.

Truck Company Firefighter - After some time as an engine company firefighter and completion of an in-house truck company operations class, the firefighter is cleared to ride as the minimum staffing firefighter on the truck. They quickly become expert in all variety of truck company functions.

Engine Company Lead Firefighter - With experience on the engine and truck behind them, and Firefighter II class completed, we move the firefighter into a crew-command position. An in-house class prepares them for supervising operations of an engine crew, as well as some initial command functions.

Truck Company Lead Firefighter - Similar to engine company lead, the truck lead firefighter learns how to direct operations of his or her crew on the ladder truck.

Engine Company Driver - Completion of pump operator class and clearance as an engine lead make the firefighter eligible for engine company driver. The candidate must then complete a number of scenarios and supervised responses.

Truck Company Driver - After some time and practice driving the pumper, and upon completion of an Aerial operator class, the firefighter can move to become a driver of the truck. Like the engine company driver candidate, the truck driver candidate must complete a number of scenarios and supervised responses.

Engine and Truck Designated Officer - Once the firefighter is cleared to ride in any of the above positions, he or she attends an Incident Command class, where they learn more about commanding the initial response to any incident. After some intense scenario practice, they are cleared to this final stage in their career development prior to becoming a line officer.